John Horan III

Ledyard - John Horan III, of Gales Ferry, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013.

The son of Evelyn and John Horan II, he was born in Bronx, N.Y., in May of 1937. After attending local schools, he graduated from New York State Maritime College with a bachelor of marine engineering degree, a U.S. Coast Guard license as a third assistant engineer, and a commission as an ensign U.S. Navy, Class of 1959. After four years of active naval service, he joined the Navy Ready Reserve for another 21 years and retired as captain in 2006.

In 1963, he joined the Electric Boat engineering department and worked in the submarine main propulsion area. In 1968, he joined the supervisor of shipbuilding office. In 1993, he retired from the Navy Reserve, and joined the Coast Guard Auxiliary and retired 15 years later as a flotilla commander for the Gales Ferry unit.

In May of 1968, John was sworn in as a Connecticut State Police auxiliary trooper, serving 45 years for the state of Connecticut and the Connecticut State Police. This service brought many rewarding experiences into John's life.

John enjoyed times spent with family, deer hunting in Maine with Wayne Crowley and his family; and shooting rifles, pistols, and shotguns at the Groton Sportsmen's Club. He served on the club's board of directors for twenty years and was president for two years. John was also a life member of the Groton Elks, Fleet Reserve, and the American Legion.

John is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Bridget; four children, John Horan, Noreen O'Leary, Janet Mallet, and Stephen Horan; and stepchildren, William Wilding, Catherine Williams, John Wilding, and Karen Wilding; eighteen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

May he rest in peace.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013m at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1650 Route 12, Gales Ferry. Interment will follow in Avery Stoddard Cemetery. Calling hours will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, at Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St., Groton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to Center for Hospice Care Southeastern Connecticut, 227 Dunham St., Norwich, CT 06360.

Please visit www.byles.com for directions, to sign the guestbook, or to share a memory.